Bavaria in Germany is probably the most picturesque and photographed area of the world that I have ever visited. The mountains and valleys with forests just showing a hint of changing fall color and the fields still exquisitely green were almost too beautiful to be believed. No wonder this area became the backdrop for King Ludwig II of Bavaria's most ambitious castle --- Neuschwanstein.
At the time of the king's death in 1888, Neuschwanstein was not completed. In fact, the tour guide said that of the 200 rooms planned, only 28 were actually completed. Soon after the death of the king, this castle was opened for visitors to tour. It was an income source for the royal family up until the World Wars. It has been featured in movies and documentaries. It was the inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty castle and many other castles that were renovated in the Romantic style. It has become a symbol of Bavaria in many tour brochures. This castle is very beautiful.
But Neuschwanstein was never really used as a residence. It was designed more as a theatrical set dedicated to the operas of Richard Wagner. King Ludwig was a friend and admirer of Wagner and he loved the Medieval mythology and folk tales brought to life in Wagner's Operas. The Hall of the Singers, Throne Hall, Drawing Room, Study Room, Dining Room, and Bedroom were all ornately painted with scenes from "Lohengrin," "Tannhäuser" and "Tristan and Isolde."
At the time of the king's death in 1888, Neuschwanstein was not completed. In fact, the tour guide said that of the 200 rooms planned, only 28 were actually completed. Soon after the death of the king, this castle was opened for visitors to tour. It was an income source for the royal family up until the World Wars. It has been featured in movies and documentaries. It was the inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty castle and many other castles that were renovated in the Romantic style. It has become a symbol of Bavaria in many tour brochures. This castle is very beautiful.
But Neuschwanstein was never really used as a residence. It was designed more as a theatrical set dedicated to the operas of Richard Wagner. King Ludwig was a friend and admirer of Wagner and he loved the Medieval mythology and folk tales brought to life in Wagner's Operas. The Hall of the Singers, Throne Hall, Drawing Room, Study Room, Dining Room, and Bedroom were all ornately painted with scenes from "Lohengrin," "Tannhäuser" and "Tristan and Isolde."
 |  |
As beautiful as Neuschwanstein is, it still felt like a stage set --- beautifully executed fake history. The castle felt as real as make-believe.
Still, you can't discount King Ludwig's choice of a dramatic setting. The scenery was real and gorgeous.
Still, you can't discount King Ludwig's choice of a dramatic setting. The scenery was real and gorgeous.
RSS Feed